I can scarcely believe I’m typing this, but I am running the Tokyo Marathon on 26 February 2012, less than 4 weeks away! Before I began my training, the longest run I’d completed was the 6 mile Cleadon Fun Run, when I was 12. I’ll be triple that age when I run (just, I might add), and let’s just say ever so slightly heavier. Suffice to say, it’s a challenge for someone who dislikes running as much as me to even contemplate completing a marathon.

 

To help motivate me I am running to raise money for a very worth-while charity, The SMA Trust. An ex colleague and good friend’s daughter, Octavia Woodward has Type II Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). She is courageous, remains positive despite enormous set backs, ever resilient and grateful for every day - as are her parents.

 

I salute them and I ask you to join me - and them - in finding a cure for this very debilitating illness.

 

Many thanks in advance for your generosity.

 

http://www.justgiving.com/RobFoxTokyoMarathon2012

 

What is SMA?

 

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a devastating, often fatal, muscular wasting condition that affects thousands of people, of all ages, race and background. It is the leading genetic killer of toddlers and babies. SMA affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord, causing muscular weakness, severe disability and premature death. 50% of the most severely diagnosed cases result in death by the age of 2. 1 in 40 of us carries the gene that causes SMA. The prevalence of SMA is second only to cystic fibrosis.

 This is a UK Just Giving site and donations need to be given in £ Sterling. If anyone has any difficulties please email me and I will provide wire instructions or a postal address for cheques to be sent in any currency.

 

 Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.